Outside the East Gate of the Royal Crown University, in Green Shade Town.
In the afternoon, the sudden sound of gunfire shattered the peace of this small town. Startled students and residents quickly reported the incident to the authorities. Since Green Shade Town housed many children of wealthy and influential families, making it one of the most prestigious communities in Tivian, the police dared not be negligent. Upon receiving the report, they immediately rushed to the source of the gunfire—House No. 23 in Green Shade Town.
The responding officers swiftly entered the house, but to their astonishment, despite the intense gunfire moments earlier, the place was completely empty. Not a single person was found, not even a corpse. The only trace left behind was scattered bloodstains on the floor.
While the police and onlookers gathered outside House No. 23, in a café on the other side of Green Shade Town, the key figures involved in the incident—Nephthys and Brandon—sat facing each other in a private booth. Brandon, having changed into a fresh set of clothes, sipped his tea with a composed demeanor, while Nephthys looked at him with evident nervousness and unease.
“There’s no need to be nervous, Miss Boyle. Without a body, the police won’t bother launching a serious investigation based on just a few gunshots. We were careful enough when we left—don’t worry,” Brandon reassured Nephthys with a smile. However, his words did little to ease the tension in her expression.
Her reaction was understandable. After all, someone she had personally confirmed to be dead was now sitting across from her, conversing as if nothing had happened. No one could remain calm in such a situation.
“Um… Mr. Brandon, could it be that you are… a Beyonder, as the rumors suggest?” After a brief moment to adjust, Nephthys cautiously asked.
Brandon nodded slowly.
“You could say that…”
She recalled how she had initially mistaken Brandon for an ordinary person, repeatedly warning him and worrying about his safety. Now, looking back, she found the memory somewhat embarrassing.
“About the lost-and-found notice you posted…”
“That was merely bait,” Brandon admitted with a slight smile.
“I wanted to lure out any secret societies that might exist within the university. I just didn’t expect the bait to work too well—it not only attracted you but also those rather unpleasant individuals.”
He took another sip of tea before continuing.
“Let me put it this way: I, or rather, we, are investigating certain mysteries related to the mysticism that exists within Royal Crown University’s King’s Campus. To do so, we need to establish contact with its secret societies. Initially, we had hoped for a peaceful exchange upon drawing them out, but things took an unexpected turn.”
“It seems that the hidden world within the university is more complex than we anticipated.”
Brandon then fixed Nephthys with a serious gaze.
“So, Miss Boyle, could you share with us the details of the secret societies currently active within the university? If possible, we might even be able to help you.”
Nephthys was momentarily taken aback by his request. She hesitated, but after recalling how they had saved her life—and considering that they might be the key to solving her current predicament—she finally nodded.
“…Alright. You saved me, so as repayment, I will tell you everything I know. It may not be much, but I hope it proves useful to you.”
“When it comes to the secrets of Royal Crown University, one organization stands out—the Scholarly Society of Mystical Knowledge.”
Throughout the university’s century-long history, a secret society has always existed within its walls. That society is the Scholarly Society of Mystical Knowledge.
According to legend, early students of Royal Crown University stumbled upon hidden mysteries related to the mysticism within the campus. Wishing to study these discoveries, a group of students formed a covert organization, which eventually became the Scholarly Society of Mystical Knowledge.
Although technically a secret society, it was originally just a gathering of students fascinated by mysticism. However, since most of Royal Crown University’s students came from wealthy backgrounds, they had the resources to acquire genuine mystical texts and artifacts. Over time, their studies brought them into contact with the true realm of mysticism.
In essence, the Scholarly Society is a collective of affluent, curious young people interested in mysticism, hoping to uncover secrets—or even attain supernatural abilities.
As a student-led secret society, it has caused numerous incidents over the decades due to reckless experimentation. The university has repeatedly attempted to shut it down, and even official authorities have intervened on occasion.
Yet, because most of its members come from influential families, severe punishment was never an option. Each time the society was disbanded, it would inevitably reemerge. After several cycles of dissolution and revival, the university eventually accepted its existence, opting to guide its research instead. In turn, the Scholarly Society adopted safer study methods, leading to a decline in disastrous accidents.
Today, the Scholarly Society of Mystical Knowledge remains the only student organization within Royal Crown University dedicated to the study of mysticism. Though it boasts decades of history, it lacks ancient traditions or profound legacies. Its studies are scattered across various mystical topics, but none reach a high level of expertise. Unlike formal mystical organizations, the society does not revere a particular deity or spirituality—it dabbles in everything, yet masters nothing.
Experienced senior members guide the society’s research to avoid dangerous practices. However, since knowledgeable members graduate and leave each year, the organization’s overall level remains limited. True Beyonders are rare within the society—most members are mere enthusiasts who never cross the threshold. The organization itself holds little authority, and membership is entirely voluntary. While the society occasionally produces genuine Beyonders, they typically leave after graduation.
To put it simply, the Scholarly Society of Mystical Knowledge is a student-run club for mystic enthusiasts. Though it occasionally stirs up minor incidents, it poses no real threat.
Nephthys was one of its members. She and her friends were drawn to the mysteries of the unknown and joined the society long ago, engaging in a mix of genuine and dubious research on mysticism.
“So, this Scholarly Society of yours is basically just a mystical studies club? And it doesn’t even have any real Beyonders?”
Hearing Nephthys’ explanation, Dorothy—who was speaking through Brandon—summarized with a hint of skepticism. Nephthys nodded in confirmation.
“Yes. In the past, it didn’t feel all that different from other university clubs, like the football club… As for real Beyonders, according to rumors, only a few past presidents successfully became one. Many members still doubt that mystical powers even exist.”
“But about half a year ago, everything changed.”
“That was when a new member joined the society—a person who went by the alias Thorn Velvet.”
“He was already a Beyonder before he joined. And once he became part of the society… he took it over entirely.”